Chemical weapon

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(Redirected from Chemical weapons)

Chemical weapons are a class of weapons of mass destruction that utilize chemical compounds to inflict harm or death upon humans, animals, or plants. They are distinguished from biological weapons, which use pathogens, and nuclear weapons, which use radioactive material.

History[edit | edit source]

The use of chemical weapons dates back to ancient times, with the earliest recorded instances involving the use of poisonous gases by the ancient Greeks and ancient Persians. However, the large-scale use of chemical weapons did not occur until World War I, when both sides employed various types of poison gas to devastating effect.

Types of Chemical Weapons[edit | edit source]

Chemical weapons can be classified into several categories based on their physical state, method of dissemination, and physiological effects. These include:

International Law[edit | edit source]

The use of chemical weapons is considered a war crime under international law. The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), an arms control treaty which came into force in 1997, prohibits the production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons. It is administered by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

See Also[edit | edit source]


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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD